Interview with a participant from Latvia: Atvara and her journey to 'Eurovision-2026'
In anticipation of the 70th anniversary of the 'Eurovision' contest, which will be hosted by Vienna in 2026, the publication 'Glaicom' has launched a series of talks with future participants. The first guest was the Latvian performer Atvara. The first semi-final is scheduled for May 12, where she will perform the composition Ēnā (translated as 'In the Shadow').
During the conversation, the singer shared details of her preparation for this large-scale musical event, talked about collaborating with the authors of the track, and her own perception of the contest. Atvara, who at the age of 18-19 had already tried her luck in the Latvian X Factor, emphasized that she considers it a huge honor to represent her country's culture on such a prestigious platform.
‘I realize how responsible it is to go on stage even with a small part of Latvia, with its language,’ the artist noted.
The composition Ēnā was written with the participation of co-author JJ Lush (real name — Jānis Jačmenkins). According to the singer, the work on the lyrics took four days. The idea of using shards of glass in the performance was suggested by the creative director, and the name of the siren in the track was invented by radio DJ Jānis Petersen from the group Citi Zēni, which represented Latvia at 'Eurovision-2022'.
Atvara also touched on the topic of Ukraine, admitting that she has friends in the country.
‘I have received a lot of messages from Ukrainians, and it warms my soul incredibly,’ she shared.
In addition, the performer named her favorite Ukrainian song at 'Eurovision' — the composition Stefania by the Kalush Orchestra, which won in 2022.
Cultural ties and mutual support
Thus, Atvara is actively preparing for her performance in Vienna, contributing to the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the legendary contest.
For representatives of the participating countries, preparation for 'Eurovision' always becomes an important milestone, as this contest reveals musical diversity and cultural traditions. Atvara's number not only demonstrates her personal growth as an artist but also highlights the value of cultural exchange between countries, especially in light of the modern challenges facing Ukraine and Latvia. The singer admits that she feels warm support from Ukrainian listeners, which once again proves the strength of friendship between nations in difficult times.
Like Atvara, Ukrainian singer Leleka is also preparing for 'Eurovision-2026', reinterpreting the famous hit and adapting it to the sound of the bandura. This highlights how competitors from different countries strive to infuse unique elements of their culture into the international musical event, making the contest especially interesting for viewers and participants.